But Leinster have revealed that after hoping Kearney might be fit for the Exeter match, only to see him ruled out, they expect him to be available for selection against the Scarlets.

“Leo Cullen and Cian Healy both came through their respective comebacks from injury and will be available for selection again this weekend,” read a club statement. “While Gordon D’Arcy and Rob Kearney are also likely to be available for selection.”

Prior to the Exeter clash, Joe Schmidt had revealed there was a chance that Kearney would get the nod against the Chiefs, but he also spoke of the need to ease the 26-year-old back into action slowly.

"Whatever we do, we will be doing what is best for Rob Kearney, because we know there are some important games coming up," Schmidt admitted last week.

"You don't want to be unrealistic. If Rob is not 100 per cent for us this Saturday, hopefully, he will be 100 per cent next Saturday. 

“You don't want to shoot yourself in the foot – and you're keeping an eye on the November internationals as well.”